On Earth Day, Governor Cuomo and Legislative Leaders Announce 2020 Enacted Budget Includes $110 Million to Revitalize New York State Parks

State Parks to Launch Construction Projects and System-Wide Improvements at 47 Parks and Historic Sites Across New York

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the FY 2020 Enacted Budget includes $110 million in capital funding to continue the NY Parks 2020 initiative to revitalize the State's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects. As part of this initiative, the State will invest $20 million to develop New York City's largest State park, Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn.

"State parks are central to New York's thriving tourism economy and millions of New Yorkers turn to these world-class natural treasures each year for fun, exercise and community engagement," Governor Cuomo said. "This significant investment will help enhance and modernize our cherished State Parks while promoting healthy outdoor recreation, preserving our environment and lifting up local economies."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "New York parks are jewels around our state that improve the quality of life for residents and offer great services and experiences. The Senate Majority was proud to ensure additional funds for our state parks in the final budget. Additionally, the park honoring the accomplishments of Shirley Chisholm is a great way to recognize this trailblazing and glass-ceiling shattering New Yorker."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "One of my favorite parts of my annual statewide tour is having the opportunity to visit New York's state parks - from the historic sites to the natural wonders. The funding included in this year's budget will create Shirley Chisholm State Park, bringing much needed green spaces, community gardens and rec centers to Brooklyn, and will invest in maintenance and improvement projects in state parks in every corner of New York. The Assembly Majority will continue working to protect our state's natural and historic treasures so they can be enjoyed by generations to come."

"Our State Parks and their uniquely beautiful natural gems are an important part of who we are as New Yorkers," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This year's budget continues our record investments to upgrade parks in every region of the state, providing a boost to local communities, investing in tourism, and improving quality of life."

Revitalization and rehabilitation projects will take place at 47 State parks and historic sites across New York this year. This includes funding for a new 407-acre park named in honor of Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn-born trailblazer who was the first African American Congresswoman, as well as the first woman and African American to run for President. The $20 million investment in Shirley Chisholm State Park will provide for hiking and biking trails, waterfront access for kayaking, a pier with a shade structure, picnic areas, concessions, comfort facilities, welcome and wayfinding signage and a park office.

This funding continues a major transformation of the park system that has received nearly $1 billion in park and historic site improvements under the leadership of Governor Cuomo since 2011.

State Parks Acting Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Governor Cuomo is leading the way in inspiring visitors to embrace the oldest State park system in the nation. We look forward to building on the tremendous progress made to revitalize our State parks to make sure that all New Yorkers and guests feel welcome and at home in their parks. New York State Parks should set the standard for the rest on the nation, and these improvements will continue to shape a modern, sustainable and welcoming 21st century park system."

Senator José M. Serrano, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, said, "As attendance to State Parks rises each year, significant investment is vital to ensuring the continued success of these proven economic engines. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I'm thrilled that the budget agreement includes an additional $110 million for State Parks, ensuring that New York's greatest natural treasures continue to be improved, beautified, and maintained for future generations to enjoy. Many thanks to Governor Cuomo and Acting Commissioner Kulleseid for their commitment to our parks and green spaces."

Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Tourism said, "Our state parks serve hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly, and New York State's investment of $110 million to revitalize them makes sure that we can keep doing so. I appreciate all the hard work NYS Parks does as an agency to enhance the experience of New Yorkers and visitors alike in connecting to the beautiful nature New York State has to offer."

In addition to $83.9 million in construction projects announced today, the budget provides $26 million for various system-wide improvements, such as investments in energy efficiency, technology, natural resource stewardship - and allocates funding for design of future projects, emergencies, engineering and construction oversight.

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